Are actinics critical to coral?

[fatoldsun]

I had an issue with my cr@p light today. I found one of my GFI circuits blown and traced it to my actinics. Fixture is one of those coralife twin 150W HQI jobbies with 2 cf actinics. (also 4 led moon lights). I'll have to see what I can do to fix it or repriorotize my DIY led build. Anyway in the interim is there anything the coral gets from the acrinic's spectrum or are they just for show, to make things look prettier?

 

[downbeach]

Actinic light promotes the growth of Zoaxanthellae algae, essential for the growth and well-being of all photosynthetic corals and invertebrates (not macro algae). So, they are used to promote coral and invertebrate growth.[SUP][/SUP][SUP][/SUP] But, they are also used to accentuate the fluorescence.

 

[NJ Reef Farm]

I have run my tank for over a year on only 10 k. halides
You should be fine till you get your LEDs rocking

 

[fatoldsun]

Maybe I'll have a chance to pull it off today and see what the problem is. I'm guessing it has something to do with the bulb. I changed one last week. I moved the newer of the old 2 to the back spot and put the new one up front. Guessing it has something to do with that.